Exec stresses storytelling fundamentals

Profile: Robby London, Executive VP, creative affairs

London has been DIC’s creative affairs guru for the past 18 years, and over the years, has guided DIC through the new trends and needs of its target aud.

The increasing sophistication of the kids’ audience notwithstanding, London stresses that some fundamentals never change.

“While kids may be exposed to more at a younger age, there are certain developmental stages and progressions that are almost physically programmed and wired in kids that don’t change. And in educational shows, the writing is the absolute key to making the shows work.”

In addition to helping supervise story editors and writers, London also acts as a liaison to broadcasters and rights-holders.

He’s amassed credits on more than 2,500 half-hours of animation — including such groundbreaking series as “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” “Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego” and “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” — and is considered one of the most prolific animation creators in the kids industry.

He’s also won a slew of awards, including two Emmys, a Humanitas Prize, two Environmental Media Awards and a Genesis Award.

Despite his track record as a producer, writing remains London’s first love.

“Both Andy and I started off as writers,” he says. “I would like to feel that over the years Andy and I have had a huge influence on DIC in terms of content. I don’t mean to minimize the art component, but without the great stories to start with, all the great art in the world is not going to save you or engage kids.”